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If we say, "We have fellowship with Him," and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 3:6-9 HCSB

A lot of people claim that they have fellowship with God[1]. Witness the number of politicians with minimal scruples who faithfully attend church simply because it is the politically correct thing to do. I know it’s hard to imagine, but politicians are human too. The fact that they are often hypocritical does not distinguish them from us – it demonstrates our kinship!

God clearly distinguishes those who claim from those who possess a relationship with Him by the standard - do we “walk in the light.”[2] What exactly does it mean to “walk in the light”? We could define it by referring to the Hebrew word “d’vekut” which is the intimate relationship or communion that can take place between our spirit and God’s.

But just to be different, let’s see how God defines the phrase. He defines “walking in the light” as obedience and good behavior[3], and as confession and cleansing[4].

To claim that we are followers of Christ while knowingly, consciously and deliberately living in habitual sins makes liars of us all[5]. He wants us to try to practice emunah (faith) and tsedekah (right living). When we inevitably fall into sin, teshuvah (repentant turning from evil toward good) should characterize our response.

We also need to be true in our human relationships[6]. God defines brotherly love as simply doing what is right, or best, for our brother. Doing what is right is not necessarily what will make for peace[7]. We hope for peace, but we always do what is best for others even if it brings discomfort.

We demonstrate our love for our brother[8] by “not taking his life[9]”, but God wants us to go so much further. He calls on us to lay down OUR lives for others[10]. And He states categorically that to claim to love another but not be willing to do what is right by them is a lie.

Do you claim to walk with Jesus, but live in consistent rebellion? Are you living with your boyfriend or girlfriend? Are you addicted to pornography? Do you live with habitual anger or envy? Do you hold a secret grudge? Do you gossip about someone else whom you dislike?

If you had to answer “yes” to any of these questions, seek forgiveness from God and others, repent, and make restitution. Otherwise, your claim to walk with Jesus is a lie.

[1] 1 John 1:5-2:8

[2] 1 John 1:7

[3] 1 John 2:3-6

[4] 1 John 1:9

[5] 1 John 1:6

[6] 1 John 2:9-11

[7] Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 12:49-53; 14:25-33 cp Romans 12:18 note “if possible”

[8] 1 John 2:10

[9] 1 John 3:10-15

[10] 1 John 3:16-18

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

Ghosts? Glorified bodies? Physical bodies?